Apaches Eliminate Arizona Western, Advance to Region 1 Championship Round

Cochise AWC
May 9, 2026

HENDERSON, Nev. — The Cochise College Apaches continued their postseason push Saturday morning, defeating Arizona Western College 4–2 in an elimination semifinal at the NJCAA Region 1 Tournament in Henderson, Nevada. With the win, Cochise advances to the Region 1 Championship Round, while Arizona Western's season comes to an end .

Cochise now improves to 45–14 overall and will face #4 Central Arizona College at 2:30 p.m. MST today in the Region 1 Final.

Because Central Arizona enters the championship round unbeaten, the Apaches must defeat the Vaqueros twice to claim the Region 1 title. If Cochise wins Saturday afternoon, an "if necessary" championship game will be played on Sunday, May 10 at 12:00 p.m. MST.

Late-Inning Heroics Send Cochise Forward

Locked in a 2–2 tie entering the ninth inning, the Apaches delivered in the clutch once again.

After Joe Madill drew a leadoff walk and Landon Blais ripped a double to right-center field, Cesar Chavira came through with a two-run single to give Cochise a 4–2 lead in the top of the ninth.

The Apaches then shut the door in the bottom half to secure the victory and advance.

Cochise Strikes First

Cochise opened the scoring in the fourth inning after capitalizing on an Arizona Western error.

Jorge Cardenas delivered an RBI single to score Gavin Mesa, before TJ Shaw Jr. followed with an RBI single of his own to push the lead to 2–0.

Arizona Western answered in the sixth inning with a pair of runs to tie the game, but Cochise pitching held the Matadors scoreless over the final three innings.

Strong Pitching Performance

Landon Blais delivered a huge performance on the mound and at the plate, starting the game and working 5.1 innings, allowing just one earned run while scattering six hits.

Out of the bullpen, Shane Hooper was outstanding, earning the win after throwing 3.2 innings of relief while allowing just two hits and striking out three.

Together, the Apaches pitching staff held Arizona Western without a walk in the game.

Offensive Leaders

Cochise finished with nine hits in the contest.

The Apaches continued to show resilience throughout the tournament, earning back-to-back elimination game victories to keep their season alive.

Up Next: Region 1 Championship

Saturday, May 9
2:30 p.m. MST
Henderson, Nevada
#4 Central Arizona College
NJCAA Region 1 Championship Round

If Cochise wins, a deciding championship game will be played Sunday at noon.